Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen met France Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly today on the sidelines of the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD). During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the strong and broad-based bilateral defence relations as well as commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as Air Force and Navy cooperation. Both sides also exchanged views on geopolitical developments and security trends. During the meeting, Ms Parly also reaffirmed France's commitment to upholding peace and security within the region, as demonstrated by the French Navy's aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle's visit to Singapore during the 18th SLD.

Dr Ng also met Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence General (GEN) Prawit Wongsuwan. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Thailand. Dr Ng expressed Singapore's support for Thailand's ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus Chairmanship.